Upgrade Redmi Note 4G to Android Lollipop Custom ROM

While I have been learning Hybrid Mobile App Development using ionic Framework (Ionic 2 Beta 11 to be precise), I discovered that there is bug in the Ionic 2 Beta 11. This version of Ionic 2 does not render tabs properly on Android 4.4 Kitkat Devices, when menu and tabs navigation is used together (Bug Listed Here – Ion-tabs don’t display in Android 4.4.2 KitKat without crosswalk). To continue my development I thought of upgrading my Redmi Note 4G Android Device to Android Lollipop. So here is my post on how to Upgrade Redmi Note 4G to Android Lollipop Custom ROM.

Disclaimer: While following the steps in this post, I have successfully upgraded my Redmi note 4G device to Android Lollipop 5.1 and its working very well, with all the functionality. Still there is possibility that if you don’t follow the steps correctly or software you use is not correct, you may brick your phone.

In order to Upgrade Redmi Note 4G to Android Lollipop, or any other Android we need to first decide on which custom ROM is stable for your specific Device. List of custom Android firmware aka ROM cab be found on this wiki page.

Upgrade Redmi Note 4G to Android Lollipop – Finding Stable ROM

The latest stable Android Lollipop ROM for Redmi Note 4G is CyanogenMod 12.1 (CM12.1). You will also need Google Apps package (gapps). Both can be downloaded from the link below –

Rooting your Device

You need to root your device, ie provide administrative privileges to your device in order to Upgrade Redmi Note 4G to Android Lollipop Custom ROM. Use one of the Android Store Applications in order to Root Redmi Note 4G, as this method and tested and proven.

Install Custom Recovery for Redmi Note 4G

Custom Recovery application on Android Device is run when Device is booted to Recovery mode. Custom Recovery is capable of Backing up the system image, Erase data or factory reset the device, upgrade custom ROM firmware on the Device.

TWRP by Team Win is the most popular and updated Custom Recovery application, For Redmi Note 4G, it can be downloaded from the link below –

Please Note – I have found latest version of TWRP for Redmi Note 4G (twrp-3.0.2-0-dior.img) to be stable, earlier versions did not work well for me.

Upgrade Redmi Note 4G to Android Lollipop – Final Steps

Now that your Redmi Note 4G is rooted and TWRP custom recovery manager application is installed on your device. You can go ahead and install custom ROM.

Please Note: In order to boot your device to Recovery mode, you can either (go to Updater app on your Redmi Note 4G -> Click small dots on Top Right -> Select “Boot to Recovery”) or by (switching off the device, and then pressing Power Button + Volume Up button together).

Your Android Device will boot to Andoid Lollipop. On first boot to Android Lollipop, your device will make initial configuration and take some time to boot to Home Screen, which is fine. Once booted, it will ask you to Configure for Language, Locale, Wifi Networks, SIM Card etc. Once that is done, you have successfully upgraded to Android Lollipop, you can verify that all functionality like Calls, Messages, Camera, Video etc is working on your Phone. Also you can go to Settings-> About Phone and check your Software Version.

This concluded our post on how to Upgrade Redmi Note 4G to Android Lollipop Custom ROM. Please feel free to leave your comments, in case you have any queries, or you discover better ways to make upgrade, better tools, better software.